Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver cells. There are two main types of fatty liver: alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Alcoholic fatty liver is caused by excessive alcohol intake. NAFLD on the other hand, is usually linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic issues.
Fatty liver can be dangerous if it progresses to inflammation, scarring, or even liver failure. Many people are unaware of their condition because it rarely causes pain in its early stages.
On this page, we will show you who or when you may need fatty liver & liver function test. However, before that;
What Are the 3 Signs of a Fatty Liver?
The problem with fatty liver is that it is a silent condition in its early stages. Many people remain unaware because noticeable symptoms rarely appear.
In fact, you may not even know that you need a fatty liver and liver function test until the disease has progressed. However, some people may experience some changes. Some of the changes you may experience first include;
- Persistent Fatigue: Many people who finally visit our clinic for fatty liver and liver function test in Singapore report experiencing persistent fatigue. This fatigue is not just normal tiredness. It can feel overwhelming, constant and even interfere with your daily activities. It may also make it hard to concentrate. The feeling of low energy may worsen over time if the underlying condition is not addressed.
- Mild Abdominal Discomfort: In the early stages, you might notice a dull discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen. This discomfort can be mistaken for indigestion or muscle strain. The pain is generally not severe. However, it tends to persist or come and go over weeks. It may signal that your liver is working under strain due to fat accumulation.
- Noticeable Jaundice or Darkening of the Skin: As fatty liver progresses, a more alarming sign can be the appearance of jaundice. Jaundice is marked by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This happens when the liver can no longer process bilirubin efficiently. It is the failure to process bilirubin efficiently that may lead to its buildup in the blood. The presence of jaundice often indicates significant liver dysfunction. It warrants immediate medical attention.
So, Who Should Get a Liver Function Test?
Liver function tests are vital in detecting liver issues before they become severe. The problem is that, it isn’t easy to tell if you need a fatty liver and liver function test.
Besides, not everyone needs to get tested regularly. However, there are certain groups that are at higher risk of fatty liver disease and should consider it. Reel quick, here is a summary of the groups of people who should get liver function tests;
- Those with Metabolic Risk Factors: People who are overweight or obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other signs of metabolic syndrome should get a liver function test. These conditions can contribute to the development of fatty liver. With regular tests, you will be best placed to monitor any changes in liver health. Early detection can prompt lifestyle modifications and medical interventions to prevent further damage.
- People with a History of Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is a common cause of liver damage. That is why, those who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol are at risk liver disease. Even if there are no obvious symptoms, alcohol can slowly damage liver cells over time. A liver function test can reveal hidden damage before it becomes symptomatic. Monitoring liver enzymes in these groups of people is crucial to manage and reduce the risk of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Those with Abnormal Findings on Previous Screenings: If you have previously undergone imaging tests, like an ultrasound for example, and there were signs of liver abnormalities, you may benefit from a fatty liver and liver function test. Abnormal test results may indicate that your liver is under stress from fat accumulation. This group includes those who have been told they have fatty liver or elevated liver enzymes in the past. You can benefit from regular follow-up tests which will ensure that any progression of the disease is caught early and managed appropriately.
What Is the Next Step After Fatty Liver and Liver Function Test?
The whole process of a fatty liver test is quick so you shouldn’t expect it to eat into much of your time. Also, most fatty liver tests are outpatient procedures which means that you can basically expect to be released to go back home on the same day.
Your liver function test will confirm fatty liver or reveal abnormal liver enzyme levels. After the test, the first step should be to consult with a specialist who can interpret your test results in detail and discuss your overall health.
Your doctor will likely recommend further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or additional blood tests, to assess the extent of liver involvement. Based on these results, a comprehensive treatment plan may need to be created.
This plan often includes lifestyle modifications such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage underlying conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol, which contribute to fatty liver.
Even after beginning a treatment plan, you will be required to maintain regular follow-up -appointments are to monitor your progress. These follow-ups will also be necessary for adjusting treatments as needed.
In Closing
Fatty liver is a condition that can progress silently but may lead to severe complications if not managed early. After diagnosis, the next steps include consulting with a specialist, adopting lifestyle changes, and undergoing further monitoring. The key is to prevent disease progression.
If you suspect that you or a loved one might be at risk for fatty liver or have concerns about liver function, please do not wait to seek professional advice. Contact a specialist today for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan.
If you are in Singapore, you can get in touch with our expert gastroenterologist for thorough assessments and tailored treatments if necessary. Call or visit us today at;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
Phone: +65 6355 5773
